M. Akbarzadeh - Department of Metallurgy
M. Zandrahimi - Department of Metallurgy
E. Moradpur - School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS۲) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants. In this work, composite MoSx/Ti coatings were deposited by direct-current magnetron sputter ion plating onto plain carbon steel substrates. The MoSx/Ti ratio in the coatings was controlled by sputtering the composite targets. The composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the coatings were explored using an energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX), Xray diffraction (XRD), and nano indentation and scratch techniques. The tribological behavior of the coatings was investigated using the pin-on-disc test at room temperature. With the increase of doped titanium content, the crystallization degree of the MoSx/Ti composite coatings decreased. The MoSx/Ti coatings showed a maximum hardness of ۱۳ GPa at a dopant content of ۵ at% Ti and the MoSx/Ti composite films outperformed the MoSx films. Moreover, the films exhibited a steady state friction coefficient from ۰.۱۳ to ۰.۱۹ and the main wear mechanisms of the MoSx/Ti coating in air were abrasive, adhesive, and oxidation wear.

MoSX/Ti coating, tribological properties, low friction, PVD